You’re looking at getting into reloading, or maybe upgrading your bench. The single stage press is the foundation. It’s where you learn the craft, achieve ultimate precision, or simply enjoy the methodical process. Among the trusted names, RCBS has a new contender: the Rebel. But is it a good single stage press?
That depends entirely on your goals. The RCBS Rebel sits in a fascinating spot in the market. It’s not the cheapest, nor the most expensive. It promises the legendary RCBS durability with some modern tweaks. We’re going to tear down its features, weigh the real-world feedback, and see how it stacks up. For many seeking a robust, no-nonsense foundation, the RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme remains the gold standard and is a highly recommended option for its proven track record.
RCBS Rebel Single Stage Press: An Introduction
Introduced as a successor to the classic Partner press, the Rebel is RCBS’s modern take on an entry-to-mid-level single stage. It’s built to be a workhorse. The intent is clear: offer a press that can handle everything from .223 to .50 BMG with unwavering stability. It’s designed for the reloader who values a solid feel above all else.
This isn’t a flimsy piece of kit. From the moment you unbox it, the heft communicates quality. It’s a press meant to last a lifetime, a common theme with RCBS products. But does that traditional strength come with any compromises for the modern shooter? Let’s look at the specs.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
The Rebel’s design philosophy is brute strength through simple, effective engineering. Every specification points towards maximum rigidity and controlled operation.
The Core Build: Frame and Ram
At its heart is a massive cast iron frame. This isn’t aluminum or steel tubing. It’s a single, solid piece of iron that absorbs the forces of resizing and seating without flex. This is the single biggest contributor to consistent ammunition. The ram boasts a full 4-inch stroke, giving you plenty of room for even the longest rifle cartridges.
The press uses a standard 7/8″-14 threaded bushing. This means it’s compatible with virtually every die on the market. The handle is steel with a comfortable ball grip, and its compound linkage provides excellent mechanical advantage. You’ll feel even stubborn military brass yield smoothly.
Spent Primer Management System
This is a standout feature and a point of much discussion. The Rebel employs a dual-system approach for spent primer disposal.
- Primer Catcher: A plastic tray snaps onto the front of the press, collecting primers from the standard chute. It works decently for most calibers.
- Through-the-Ram Disposal: The real innovation. Spent primers can be directed down through the hollow ram and into a tube or bottle you attach underneath your bench. This is a brilliantly clean solution, keeping debris off your workspace.
In practice, the system is excellent when it works perfectly. Some users note it can be finicky with small pistol primers, which sometimes bounce out of the chute. It’s a trade-off for a potentially cleaner bench.
Pros, Cons, and Common User Feedback
No tool is perfect. The Rebel’s strengths are significant, but its weaknesses are worth considering, especially for a reloading press for beginners.
The Advantages: Why You Might Love It
- Unmatched Rigidity: The cast iron frame provides a rock-solid foundation. This translates directly to better ammo consistency, especially for precision rifle reloading.
- Superior Primer Management: The through-ram system, when dialed in, is a game-changer for bench cleanliness.
- Exceptional Versatility: Its tall frame and 4-inch ram handle any cartridge from .17 Hornet to .50 BMG with ease.
- RCBS Quality & Warranty: It’s backed by the famous RCBS “No Excuses” warranty. They stand behind their products.
The Drawbacks: Points of Contention
- Weight and Mounting: This press is heavy. You need a very sturdy bench. A dedicated RCBS stand is a wise investment.
- Primer System Quirks: As mentioned, the primer catcher isn’t 100% foolproof. Some fiddling may be required for flawless operation.
- Price Point: It’s not the cheapest option. You pay for the RCBS name and the iron construction. The question of is the RCBS Rebel worth the money for a beginner is valid.
Overall, user reviews praise its smooth operation and robust feel. Criticisms almost exclusively center on the primer system’s occasional mess. For the reloading press durability seeker, it’s a top contender.
Head-to-Head: Rebel vs. The Competition
How does it fare against the pillars of the single stage world? Let’s break down the common RCBS vs Hornady vs Lee debate, with a specific focus on its direct rival.
RCBS Rebel vs Rock Chucker Supreme
This is the most frequent comparison. The Rock Chucker is the legend; the Rebel is the modern challenger.
| Feature | RCBS Rebel | RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Primer System | Dual (Tray & Through-Ram) | Standard Catcher Tray |
| Ram Stroke | 4 Inches | 4 Inches |
| Leverage | Compound Linkage | Compound Linkage |
| Price | Generally Slightly Lower | Generally Slightly Higher |
The RCBS Rebel vs Rock Chucker Supreme comparison often boils down to the primer system. The Rebel offers a more modern, cleaner solution. The Rock Chucker has decades of proven, simple reliability. Both are phenomenal presses. The Rebel can feel like a better value if the through-ram disposal appeals to you.
Rebel vs. Lee Classic Cast & Hornady Lock-N-Load
Against the Lee, the Rebel wins on perceived reloading press quality and brand reputation. The Lee is a fantastic budget press, but the Rebel’s press frame rigidity is superior. Against the Hornady, the fight is closer. The Hornady’s quick-change bushing system is a major convenience feature the Rebel lacks. However, the Rebel’s all-iron construction often feels more substantial to users who prioritize a zero-flex feel for precision reloading press work.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the RCBS Rebel?
So, is the RCBS Rebel a good single stage press? Absolutely. It’s an excellent press. But it’s not for everyone.
Buy the RCBS Rebel if: You value a supremely rigid press above all else. You reload large rifle cartridges or pursue precision. You hate cleaning up spent primers and want the through-ram system. You’re a beginner willing to invest in a “buy once, cry once” tool that will last forever.
Look elsewhere if: Your budget is extremely tight. You prioritize the fastest possible die changes (look at Hornady). You want the absolute simplest, most proven system without any potential fuss (the Rock Chucker reigns here). You’ve heard about the problems with RCBS Rebel single stage press primer system and know it would annoy you.
For the reloader seeking a modern, heavy-duty foundation, the RCBS Rebel is a compelling choice. It takes the core RCBS strength and adds a clever solution to a perennial reloading nuisance. It may have a minor quirk or two, but its performance on the benchwhere it mattersis undeniable. It builds excellent ammunition with a feel of quality that’s hard to beat.